Author: Laurel Ann Nattress

Editor of Austenprose.com, Jane Austen Made Me Do It, and director of Austenprose PR, Laurel Ann is a champion of historical books, period drama, and Jane Austen.

The Last Heir to the Blackwood Library: A Novel, by Hester Fox — A Review

From the desk of Eleanor Clark:

In post-World War I England, a young woman inherits a mysterious house with an even more mysterious library.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

With the stroke of a pen, twenty-three-year-old Ivy Radcliffe becomes Lady Hayworth, owner of a sprawling estate on the Yorkshire moors. Ivy has never heard of Blackwood Abbey, or of the ancient bloodline from which she’s descended. With nothing to keep her in London since losing her brother in the Great War, she warily makes her way to her new home. The abbey is foreboding, the servants reserved and suspicious. But there is a treasure waiting Continue reading “The Last Heir to the Blackwood Library: A Novel, by Hester Fox — A Review” →

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Return to Satterthwaite Court: Somerset Stories (Book 3), by Mimi Matthews — A Review

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

A reckless Victorian heiress sets her sights on a dashing ex-naval lieutenant, determined to win his heart as the two of them embark on a quest to solve a decades-old mystery in USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews’s sequel to her critically acclaimed novels The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Lieutenant Charles Heywood has had his fill of adventure. Battle-weary and disillusioned, he returns to England, Continue reading “Return to Satterthwaite Court: Somerset Stories (Book 3), by Mimi Matthews — A Review” →

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The Best New Historical Novels for Spring 2023

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: 

After a bleak and snowy winter season at Blue Willow Cottage, I am all anticipation of warmer weather and the fabulous new historical fiction books releasing in March, April, and May.  

I pawed through many new releases to narrow my list down, so if you are in the mood for engaging, intriguing, and swoon worthy novels, then read on.

Here is my list of 5 STAR recommendations for Spring 2023. Continue reading “The Best New Historical Novels for Spring 2023” →

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An Improbable Season: Unexpected Seasons (Book 1), by Rosalyn Eves — A Review  

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

During the Regency-era, two sisters and a cousin do their first London Season searching for husbands, or their own agency, by stretching the boundaries of society, and their own expectations.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

When Thalia, Kalliope, and Charis set off to Regency London for their first Season, they know exactly what they want. Thalia means to make her mark among the intelligentsia and publish her poetry. Her sister, Kalli, aims to take Continue reading “An Improbable Season: Unexpected Seasons (Book 1), by Rosalyn Eves — A Review  “ →

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Cover Reveal & Preview of A Winter by the Sea: On Devonshire Shores (Book 2), by Julie Klassen

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

Hello Dear Readers,

Happy Monday! Here is a cover reveal to brighten your day. Bestselling historical romance novelist Julie Klassen has a second novel in her On Devonshire Shores series releasing next December. We have the beautiful cover to share with you.

The first novel in the series, The Sisters of Sea View, introduced us to the Summers sisters and their family seaside rooming house. A Winter by the Sea continues the story of sister Emily, an aspiring novelist. New guests arrive at Sea Continue reading “Cover Reveal & Preview of A Winter by the Sea: On Devonshire Shores (Book 2), by Julie Klassen” →

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Wyoming Wild: The Town of Savage Wells (Book 3), by Sarah M. Eden — A Review

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

This might surprise my Regency era friends and followers, but I love a good Western romance. Particularly when the protagonists face down challenges from the wild west and all the lawlessness that can come with it. Add in an iconic, honorable hero, a spunky heroine, and lots of horses, and I am as pleased as Punch.

A US Marshal Undercover

Wyoming Wild, the third novel in The Town of Savage Wells series by Sarah M. Eden supplied all of this, and more. Our hero, John Continue reading “Wyoming Wild: The Town of Savage Wells (Book 3), by Sarah M. Eden — A Review” →

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Cover Reveal, Preview, & Giveaway of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, by Celeste Connally

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

Hello Dear Readers,

Regency-era mysteries are like catnip to me. By combining two of my favorite genres, I get to vicariously live in the early nineteenth century and experience a hero or heroine sleuthing out clues to solve a crime.

That’s why I am so pleased to introduce you to a new historical mystery releasing in November from award-winning mystery writer Celeste Connally. Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord sounds enchanting and I cannot wait to read it. Here’s the scoop… Continue reading “Cover Reveal, Preview, & Giveaway of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, by Celeste Connally” →

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Austenprose’s Best Austenesque and Historical Novels of 2022

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

Happy New Year Dear Readers!

2022 proved to be a fabulous year in the historical book arena. Of the 51 books that were reviewed here last year by our dedicated staff, several were outstanding and will remain favorites. Here is a list of our highest-rated and most cherished of 2022. Follow each link to read the full review.

Many thanks to my fabulous review staff: Katie Patchell, Tracy Hickman, Sophia Rose, Katie Jackson, and guest reviewer Theresa Smith for their dedication to the historical genre and their passion for reading. Continue reading “Austenprose’s Best Austenesque and Historical Novels of 2022” →

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An Exclusive Interview with Laura Frantz, Author of The Rose and the Thistle

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

If you are as big a fan of historical novels set in Scotland as I am, take heed. Bestselling author Laura Frantz’s forthcoming, The Rose and the Thistle, is briming with heather, history, and romance during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715. Releasing next month, Laura graciously agreed to talk with me in advance of publication sharing insights into the storyline, characters, historical context, and her writing career. Grab a cup of tea and some shortbread and settle in. Continue reading “An Exclusive Interview with Laura Frantz, Author of The Rose and the Thistle” →

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An Exclusive Interview with Felicity George, Author of A Lady’s Risk

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

It’s great to see Regency romance novels going strong, bolstered by the amazing success of the Bridgerton Netflix series based on Julie Quinn’s bestselling novels. It is inspiring to think that the story started as a spark in the writer’s imagination and became a phenomenal success. It can happen, writers, so keep on dreaming and writing.

I am the eternal optimist when it comes to debut authors. I really enjoy discovering a fresh, new voice and helping them reach their readers. Today I am happy to introduce you to Felicity George. Her first Regency romance novel, A Lady’s Risk, published in Continue reading “An Exclusive Interview with Felicity George, Author of A Lady’s Risk” →

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An Exclusive Interview with Amanda Dykes, Author of All the Lost Places

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

Did you know that for several centuries Venice was one of the main stops during a British gentleman’s “Grand Tour” of the continent? The ancient city of islands and canals in northeast Italy is renowned for its beautiful architecture, artwork, and a fascinating history. Setting her new historical fiction novel in this enchanting city, Amanda Dykes includes the magical elements that it is known for and adds a century old mystery into her plot of her new novel, All the Lost Places. Curious about the two main characters and how the city would impact their story, I asked Amanda to join us today to discuss her new novel. Continue reading “An Exclusive Interview with Amanda Dykes, Author of All the Lost Places“ →

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Little Women (Abbeville Illustrated Classics), by Louisa May Alcott, with Illustrations by Clara M. Burd, & Introduction by Alice A. Carter — A Review

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

Few novels have touched and inspired young readers as profoundly as Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888). Originally published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869, it is a remarkable coming-of-age story of four sisters with distinctive, endearing personalities set during the American Civil War, and after. Continue reading “Little Women (Abbeville Illustrated Classics), by Louisa May Alcott, with Illustrations by Clara M. Burd, & Introduction by Alice A. Carter — A Review” →

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